About US

Lift Me Up! is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit PATH International Member Center serving the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, communities, bringing healing and joy to people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. 

Through our team of horses, volunteers, and PATH-certified instructors, we offer therapeutic riding and wellness programs year-round, 7 days a week. 

We provide services to multiple underserved populations, including children with physical and neurological challenges, first responders, veterans, at-risk teens, individuals in mental health treatment, and residents of senior living facilities. Our therapeutic riders and wellness program participants range from ages 5 to 70+. Every summer, we bring campers of all abilities together along with enthusiastic young volunteers for our Summer Camps. 

Founded in 1975 by Colleen Zanin, Lift Me Up! has expanded its programs to incorporate progressive and innovative therapeutic approaches in inclusive settings. Today, we provide approximately 6,500 session hours for more than 1,000 riders and wellness participants annually. 

Our staff includes PATH certified instructors at registered and advanced levels, all of whom are PATH-certified as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI), and two of these instructors are also certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning. CTRI Instructors have met established criteria and standards of practice in the field and have demonstrated knowledge of disabilities, equines, teaching, and human-animal interactions necessary for effective performance as therapeutic riding instructors.